2025 Grand National LIVE: Latest news and updates from the world's most famous steeplechase as I Am Maximus bids to retain his crown

Frero Banbou has been pulled up with six fences remaining.

Imperial Saint continues to lead, closely followed by Richmond Lake approximately a length behind.

The leading pair, Imperial Saint and Docpickedme, have established a three-length advantage over the rest of the field.

Docpickedme has moved to the front early in the race, followed by Imperial Saint and Charlie Uberalles.

The bookmakers’ favourite is number two with odds of 11-4, with Happygolucky priced at 4-1.

The weather in Aintree is splendid, contributing to an upbeat mood at the racecourse.

Excitement is visible as attendees enjoy the first races of the day.

Coming up next is the William Hill Handicap Chase at 2:30pm.

Football fans take note: Harry Redknapp’s horse, Shakem Up’arry, is participating in the race.

Following his victory on Honesty Policy, Mark Walsh of Gordon Elliot’s team spoke to ITV, stating:

‘Honesty Policy is aptly named.’

‘He’s as genuine as they come. I felt the pace was strong, considering it’s only his fourth hurdles race.’

‘He remains quite inexperienced, but to his credit, he responded impressively from the third last hurdle.’

‘He maintained his focus throughout and pushed all the way to the finish line.’

‘I’m delighted for Gordon and the entire team; this win means a great deal to them.’

1. Honesty Policy
2. Regent’s Stroll
3. Funiculi Funicula
4. Koktail Divin

Honesty Policy, representing McManus colours, secured victory in the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle, finishing ahead of Regent’s Stroll.

A recurring pattern is emerging at Aintree today, with horses surging from the rear of the field to seize the lead near the finish line.

The field has now condensed into a tighter group. Regent’s Stroll maintains the lead, but Kocktail Divin, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, is performing strongly.

Regent’s Stroll is currently leading by two lengths, ahead of Koktail Divin and Miami Magic, with six hurdles left to jump.

The second race of the day is now underway, following a slight delay to the start.

Miami Magic conceded ground at the standing start but is swiftly regaining position within the field.

Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle runners:

Here are the runners and their respective odds for the second race of the day, which is about to commence.

3. Funiculi Funicula (12-1)

4. Good And Clever (12-1)

11. Regent’s Stroll (8-1)

The start of the previous race was undeniably unusual, to say the least.

While spectators generally prefer a rolling start, the starter’s execution was flawed. Some horses were still trotting as the race commenced, causing several runners to lag behind from the outset.

Ruby Walsh shared his perspective on the starter’s decision:

‘I’m hesitant to criticize the starter, as I wouldn’t want their job for any amount of money…’

‘However, in this instance, I believe an error was made.’

‘Keep an eye on Whatcouldhavebeen in the blue colours as they advance.’

‘They are currently jig-jogging, which is permissible, but the transition from jig-jog to canter should not signal the start.’

‘I felt in control and am pleased with today’s performance.’

‘It all unfolded according to plan. He’s a smooth-moving horse, and the conditions were ideal.’

‘This is the pinnacle, the level where every jockey aspires to compete.’

Wales claims victory in the first race of the day.

1. Deep Cave
2. Timmy Tuesday
3. Double Powerful
4. Park of Kings

Bill Joyce unfortunately fell at the sixth hurdle.

Building Bridges and Dartan initially established a comfortable lead, but Timmy Tuesday closed the gap to take the lead.

Just as Timmy Tuesday appeared poised for victory, Deep Cave, an outsider, surged from behind to narrowly claim the lead and win.

The opening race is now in progress, with all participants completing a circuit of the Aintree racecourse.

Building Bridges is currently leading the field with six hurdles remaining in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle.

While the Grand National may be the main attraction for many attending today’s Aintree races, it is part of a full schedule of exciting events.

Here is the complete list of races scheduled for today:

• 1:20pm: William Hill Handicap Hurdle (ITV)
• 1:55pm: Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (ITV)
• 2:30pm: Freebooter Handicap Chase (ITV)
• 3:05pm: Liverpool Hurdle (ITV)
• 4pm: Grand National (ITV)
• 5pm: Maghull Novices’ Chase (Racing TV)
• 5:35pm: Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Racing TV)

Welcome to Mail Sport’s live blog for comprehensive coverage of the final day of jump racing from Aintree, headlined by the prestigious Grand National.

A field of 34 horses is anticipated to compete in the £1 million steeplechase.

Last year’s champion, I Am Maximus, aims to repeat his victory, a notable achievement last accomplished by Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019.

However, before the main event, a series of races will unfold.

Join us for fence-by-fence live updates and commentary across all seven races taking place at Aintree today. Sit back and enjoy the action.